Philadelphia: At the Movies: Mongol

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At the Movies: Mongol
June 19, 2008
By: Gary Kramer
gkramer@aroundphilly.com

PICK OF THE WEEK: Mongol

Director Sergei Bodrov’s handsomely mounted production about the man who became Genghis Khan. This epic biopic shows how a “weak cub” transformed into a “brutal tiger.” From his impulsive, confident selection of a bride (at age 9) to the codes he lives by until he is betrayed, Temudgin (Tadanobu Asano as an adult) is a complex man, whose one goal is to unite and lead the Mongol people at any cost. With its intense battle sequences—a gorgeous scene traces the flight of an arrow—Mongol is incredibly cinematic. Even if some of it is done using CGI, there are sweeping camera movements, stirring music (there’s a great final credit song), and breathtaking images throughout the two-plus hours. The film may base its morality on recouping the honor of stolen brides, but it is saving one’s face/family that forces Khan to act in the way he does, and this provides insights into the man. When he seeks justice for the death of his father, the sacrifice of his mother, and the warfare caused by his adopted brother, what comes across is the honor that prompts Khan to rule his people. Even if some of it is created for drama, it sure looks and feels impressive.

ALSO OPENING:

The Animation Show 4

An anthology of adult-oriented animation shorts, compiled by Mike Judge (Office Space, and TV’s King of the Hill) featuring new work by up-and-coming animators as well as established masters like Bill Plympton.

Get Smart
Steve Carell steps into Don Adams’s shoe phone in this big-screen version of the classic 1960s comedy series.

Love Songs
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The Love Guru
Mike Meyers’ latest comedy is a goofy romance about a would-be self-help doctor who tries to fix a broken relationship.

My Father, My Lord
A rabbi and his son come into conflict over family and faith in this drama from Israel.